Ok, I have a problem with this thread now. Now I'm going to have to go to the library and check out each and every book mentioned here to (re)read MYSELF! I'm not going to have to time to sleep for days!

Find a bookstore that specializes in children's books. If you were in SoCal, I'd send you straight to Children's Book World. The people who work at independent stores like this tend to be very good and can make some great recommendations.

Logged

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

"I know this is a weird thought. But, I guess I'm visualizing this girl in her 20s or 30s thinking back and saying, "You know, when I was 9 years old, some stranger gave me a book that changed my life. It made me who I am today.""

Well, if that's what you're going for, try "A Clockwork Orange".

Kidding, folks, kidding!

I'll second the Little House series. And of course, some of the classics aren't bad. "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster was a big one for me. Shel Silverstein is also a good choice (although I'd avoid "Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book" if I were you).

If you want something more contemporary and Librarian vetted - ALA (American Library Association) publishes several lists of recommended books for children ranked by age, grade, reading level, awards, etc... etc... via their group, Association for Library Service to Children:

Telmereth

The books I was given as a child really did change my world at that age

I loved:What Katy DidAnne of Green GablesLittle WomenThe Chalet School series (these are very very old fashioned, but I adored them)The Saddle Club booksThe Babysitter's Club booksGoosebumps

If you want something new, too, I highly recommend the Series of Unfortunate Events books. They are beautifully presented and pitched at the right level for a 9 year old with good reading ability. I would have been over the moon to have them at that age because they're hard back and absolutely gorgeous!

Oooh, I've got to delurk for this one ... I'd recommend anything by Beverly Cleary or Judy Blume (the kid-friendly stuff, of course!). There is also a new series with a girl who discovers she is actually a mermaid. The first book is The Tail of Emily Windsnap. Just as an aside, my daughter is 7 and in second grade and she and most of her friends have already outgrown Junie B and are on their way out of Magic Treehouse. A 9 year old (especially if she is an avid reader) may find those books too young for them. They are moving in Judy Moody and Amber Brown series which are at a little higher reading level.

Oh! Bonnie of the WolvesThere is another book that goes with that one and i can never remember the name of; i have yet to read it. That, along with The Wind in the Willows were kids books i read as an adult that would probably be age appropriate.

Logged

It's alright, man. I'm only bleeding, man. Stay hungry, stay free, and do the best you can. ~Gaslight Anthem